Even though most other smartphones come equipped with Android 4.2 or 4.1 Jelly Bean, the Casio G’zOne Commando 4G LTE is limited to Android 4.0.4 Ice Cream Sandwich. Once again Casio is using their own custom G’zOne skin. It may not be as customizable as HTC Sense or Samsung Touch Wiz, but it still comes with 7 homes screens and has 5 icons at the bottom for accessing the phone, contacts list, app drawer, web browser, and messaging.

Naturally, the device does well with Android core apps, such as E-Mail and Gmail, contacts, and calendar. Also included are the Amazon app store, Amazon Kindle and MP3, Amex Serve, Audible, IMDb, NFL Mobile, Slacker radio, Verizon Tones, Viewdini, VZ Navigator, and Zappos.

Android core apps

Software:

We’re glad to see the return of the G’zGear app and desktop widgets, which provide useful information such as an earth compass, thermometer, tides, sun/moon chart, star gazer, walking counter and barometer. The Earth Compass shows your current heading in degrees, as well as an arrow to North, and the Layer Compass shows where you are in relation to world cities, US Parks, world mountains, and world nature. The Walking Counter has a virtual trek for different trails, and a pedometer for how many steps you’ve taken for each day of the week, which is shown in a handy graph. The Thermometer shows what the current temperature is, and the temps of 3 cities you can select from, or view a global map of temps around the world. Tides show what the current high and low tide times are for your location as well as their height. The sun/moon will show how many hours until the sun rise/set and moon rise/set for your location. Lastly, the Star Gazer will show what stars and constellations are in the sky, through it isn’t as good as Google Sky Map.

The G’zGear app

One new app is called G’zWorld. It starts off by showing a map of your current location with a small compass and current elevation on the bottom. By clicking on the Route tab at the top (and then start), it will automatically track your GPS location every few minutes and plot it on the map. This can be very handy while hiking or camping, or even if you are in an unfamiliar area. You can also manually Pin your current location to the map, even with a picture.

The G’zWorld app

Both the G’zGear and G’zWorld apps are unique, and really help market the phone to active individuals that would use it while being outdoors.

Processor and Memory:

Running the show on the Casio G’zOne Commando 4G LTE is a 1.5GHz dual-core Qualcomm Snapdragon S4 processor with 1GB of RAM. Even though this is a vast improvement over the 800MHz single-core processor that was on the original model two years ago, it still falls behind devices on the market that feature quad-core processors. Regardless, we found that the Casio G’zOne Commando 4G LTE was fast enough for the tasks that we threw at it, running various apps, and using the included G’zGear and G’zWorld apps. The benchmark tests below show that is stacks up just fine with other dual-core processor phones.

Quadrant Standard

AnTuTu

GLBenchmark 2.5 (Egypt HD)

Vellamo(HTML5 / Metal)

Casio G’zOne Commando 4G LTE

5128

10391

3441

1793 / 633

Pantech Perception

5552

9694

2579

1649 / 611

LG Lucid 2

5774

11800

2794

1636 / 602

Motorola DROID RAZR M

4864

11471

One nice surprise is that the devices comes with 16GB of internal storage, but only half of that is available to the user. Though you can install a microSD memory card up to 32GB for additional space.

Internet and Connectivity:

The Casio G’zOne Commando 4G LTE comes equipped with a standard web browser, though you can install Chrome or Dolphin if you desire. It renders pages just fine, with kinetic scrolling and pinch-to-zoom working without a hitch.

Like we mentioned earlier, this new model does support Verizon’s 4G LTE data network, since the original model was limited to only EVDO. So we fired up the Speedtest.net app and was able to get 28 Mbps downloads and 8 Mbps uploads, with a signal reception of -95 dBm. Naturally, Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n and Bluetooth 4.0 are supported, but since the device is also global roaming capable, it also can use GSM 850/900/1800/1900 MHz and UMTS/HSPA 900/2100 MHz networks while overseas.

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This phone is like a tank and makes S4 Active and Xperia Z like a bunch of wusses in terms of outdoor performance. Unfortunately G'zOne missed the boat in terms of processing power and camera performance which the two wusses have done a better job in that arena.

Agreed what really sucks is this phone was cleared by the FCC back in Oct of 2012 and if it came out then would have been perfect competition as most of the phones last yr were still duel core it had the same snapdragon processor as the S3 and Moto Razr HD and Maxx and those phones came out in April and Aug-Sept of last yr so it would have stacked up great against them but Verizon had to sit on the phones for 10 months giving the other phones a better chance to sell that wasn't needed

This is a nice durable phone but the Sprint Torque is a much better option being fully submersible, with Smart Sonic Technology and Sprint Direct Connect is far superior to Verizon PTT. Otherwise specs are pretty much on par between the two.

This phone is fully submersible to, I have the phone and already have put it underwater several times with no problem, even have taken some underwater pictures already both this and the old commando have always been fully submersible up to 5 ft for 30 mins per recommindation of the company but can go deeper and longer as I have taken the old commando.

Just got the phone yesterday, so have the 14 days to switch.
I really wanted a rugged phone and have no issue compromising the video and some other features for that and the great speakerphone quality when on calls.

but,,,in the first two days the battery capability may be the issue I can not live with.

Downloaded ATK and keep eye on that. Disabled amex, all amazons.

Any other ideas for better battery life?
Is there extended battery available with cover that keeps the water/shock proof benefit?

Thanks, I am just an active girl who hated to spend any money on any smart phone I had to be careful with!

Yes i bought the extended battery from verizon themselves
i called and asked for the commando lte extended battery which is 2920 mAH. I dont have enought post to post the link but if you go to verizon wireless.com and in the search box type (2920) the battery should pop up, i had to call them to get it also got a discount on the battery because of who i work with. Also the battery does add weight and thickness. It comes with another back plate for it that sticks out but provides a long days worth of battery use. from around 9 this morning till almost 10 tonight it lasted with moderate to heavy use at some points. hope this helps you a bit

Also forgot to mention with the new back cover i still took mine to the local water park and submerged it several times with no problem again only thing is it add bulk and weight to the phone but i dont mind for what it can do its 49.99 without discount and again you may have to call them

Yes it fits into my pockets still i haven't had a problem with it I do know my step dad likes the phone and is getting one but doesn't like the bulkyness it adds so he's sticking with the other battery again I have had no problems putting it in my pocket or anywre else it adds about 5 cm or 1/8 of an inch hump on the back panel where the battery is.

First off, I'm not a forum guru but I'm from neanderthal when it comes to reviews. This is my opinion one of the best pieces of consumer tech to come out in years. The fact that it has received publicity in the shadow of S4 active is sad. Probably this is due to the fact that the name isn't catchy enough and way too long. Casio as a company has been dropping the ball across the board for awhile. But let's put all that aside for a minute and look at just this phone. You can read specs for yourself, I'm not a salesman, all I can say is that the phone does everything described by the review above and more. For me, the software and hardware are sufficient for anything that you would want to do on a phone.

I've had this phone for a month. I've beat the living snot out of it. Every phone I've ever owned has needed an insurance plan to keep up with my lifestyle (and yes I got a plan for this phone too, although it may not need it). If you need a prissy phone that takes good self-portraits, your out of luck here. If you need a phone that blasts your favorite music while enjoying a shower beer, you've struck gold. In the rain, in the sun, thrown into pools, dropped from ledges this thing is still kicking strong.

Here my list of pros and cons on this product:

Pros:
1. Rugged and familiar with water
2. Fully customizable landscape
3. Functional built-in apps (that can be removed) and power control widget is awesome
4. Hotspot node
5. Blutooth sync (although the refresh rate is a little slow)

If you're thinking about this phone, here's something to consider before buying. You're getting into a phone made a company that is not very popular or frankly well-known outside of specific markets. The Walkman days are over and we're not comparing new tech so often as we are better tech. This phone is the best at what it does.

I do not have the new version yet but I will tell you the 3G model is a very rugged phone. I have had it sense it came out. It has fallen of the hood of my van at 70 mph going down the freeway, fallen off 2 - 3 story buildings, thrown into a brick wall, submerged into everything you can think of from mud, beer, sewer, even sat on the bumper of my truck all night in a hot, humid summer Tn storm, all night (wash it off and it keeps working). The list go on as to the durability of the Casio Commando.

This may seem elementary to some ...to get the most out of your battery but it seems to work the best for me and others I have helped so far..
Auto brightness on.
"Touch light key" on no more then 1.5 seconds
Screen time out no more then 1 minute
Turn off vibrate and haptic feedback mode
use as few widgets as possible on main screen
NO LIVE WALLPAPERS !!!
lol
obviously powersave mode
"on"
Keeping wifi and bluetooth
off when you are not using those features
and I found this out without realizing it immediately ...
when you are connected to a bluetooth earpiece I found that the battery lasts 25 -30 % longer because the phone speaker is not being used
Transmitting sound to your bluetooth earpiece uses less power
Speaking from my own experience of course ..

does anyone know how good the antennae range is compared to other phones. I had heard Casio did't have a very good range due to the thickness of the phone. that sounds like hogwash to me. I want this phone but range is important when I am hunting and ATV ing.

DO NOT GET THIS PHONE! I had high hopes for this phone after owning the CASIO G'Zone Ravine for nearly 3 years, yes it rebooted on me quite often, it was dealable, however, this piece of crap freezes up more often than a teenage girl watches frozen. I had hoped for a durable phone that would at least function, I was sadly disappointed on the functionality of this phone, durablity is the only reason i haven't broke this phone; it won't let me.

Tough or Weak, Rugged or delicate... All these things should really only come into play when the device your writing about is a sound product. Casio g'Zone IS NOT one of those sound products, I don't know if they rushed the phone out the door to meet a certain deadline and forgot to run tests but this "phone" if you can even call it that is good for nothing more than to fill space with, the camera is low quality, the durability is good but what's the use for that if the phone doesn't have decent software to make it worth using it. I have had to struggle through THREE of these phones until I could be applicable for an upgrade through the Verizon edge program.... THREE, two of which have the same issue. For ANYONE out there looking for a decent phone... and I mean ANYONE, trucker, construction "delicate" phone and put a good phone protector on it. DO NOT BUY A CASIO G'ZONE! I myself am a hunter and outdoorsman, I don't notice any better antenna reception from my phone over my brothers HTC ONE. Lets not let the "idea" that this phone is rugged to sway your decision to buy it, you will be sorry if you let that be your main factor seeing as how it will stand up to falling out of your pocket once or twice but god forbid you have to make a call or send a msg to your family! bobtheman said it best. "these" (I have one as well and cant wait to get rid of it) phones freeze up more times than teenage girls watch the movie Frozen. L:iterally everyday I have to remove the battery and restart this Casio PoS g'Zone just to be able to possibly use an app or even get my wife's messages. AGAIN I cant stress it enough, this ophone is garbage and anyone basing their thought of buying one by its "rugged" ability will be soon looking for a replacement much like I and many others have.

Love My Casio ZOne. Hello, I had not been following the thread, but saw these last few posts and was compelled to chime in. I have had my phone since July 2013 and LOVE IT! Agreed the camera is NOT up to competitors and the screen is smaller. I LOVE the smaller screen - no big phones for me ever. I would like if the camera was upgraded, but otherwise I truly love this. Have NEVER had a call dropped. NEVER not had a signal and I travel for work. The HOT SPOT works while you are on the phone. Can be on a call and TEXT at the same time and surf the web. The only feature I don't have is when on a call I can not see recent calls - I can see my contact list though.
The first month I had this phone it paid for itself. I was manning a table at a trade show for my company and ran to my car for something I forgot. When slamming the trunk in haste it popped back up - three times I tried then realized my phone was right in line with the trunk lid closing. The outer rubber had a small patch where it was now "shiny" and other than that = it was perfect still. The case, the glass everything was perfect.
I have dropped it multiple times, have been caught in the rain, taken a picture under water at the beach and am thrilled except that one missing feature.
Ok, let's be honest - if Apple or Samsung would offer a similar size phone with the same ruggedized features I would be pretty tempted to jump at my contract....but only tempted, not sure I would jump.

Oh, and I have NEVER had it freeze or have to take the battery out. There is a feature that some could be mistaking for freezing up,,,because once I thought it had. There is a "swipe down" screen that you can use to toggle on and off the sound, Bluetooth, 4-G, airplane mode and wifi. If you have that swipe down screen down, it seems like it is frozen if you forget and don't swipe back up. I am not trying to say that is your issue - but just mentioning for overall sharing.

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